I can't believe I let another year slip by. I'm still here, just not cranking. My sock machines still number four and the same half completed sock still dangles from my NZAK. However, my sock machines and I have moved into the now complete studio, that garage-turned-studio I talked about a year ago.
The sock machine corner with (Top, L to R) Legare 400, NZAK, Gearhart; (Bottom) Auto Knitter:
I have not cranked a sock in TWO YEARS! Will I remember how? At least I have all my notes, books, machines and tools together in one place. I hope it will be like riding a bike and all I have to do is just get back on it.
In gathering sock machine things from all over the house I found more sock yarn than even I could imagine, so many tools, books, newsletters, needles, carts "helpers" (things I bought over the years to help me knit socks on sock machines) and pleasant surprises.
The best surprise of all was the tote bag of completed socks waiting for toes to be Kitchenered. I transferred them to a basket to set by my chair for the right moment.
Today the best I could do was take pictures of the machines in their new place. I can't get back to cranking before next month. There is still some organizing to do, some hand knit projects and some weaving to get done before I fire up a CSM again. I leave you with close-ups of my circular sock machine family.
CSM #1 - Auto Knitter: 60/30
CSM #2 - Legare 400: 54/27 and 72/36
CSM #3 - Gearhart: 60/30, 72/36, 100/50:
CSM #4 - NZA: 60/30, 72/36, 60/30 compound
Which one is best? The one that is cranking out perfect socks at the moment. My favorite? The Legare 400 (CSM# 2 purchased on eBay, tweaked by Barry). It is a heavy workhorse that lets nothing stop it from making the perfect sock.
Later,
The Sock Lady
